LeBron James being ‘strategic’ with well being vs. Lakers’ seeding TERMAN WEBSITE

MEMPHIS — LeBron James says he’ll prioritize his well being over the chase for the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff seeding down the stretch of the common season.

“I acquired to be sensible with it,” James stated after the Lakers’ 136-124 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. “If I am not wholesome, or [anywhere] near being wholesome, then it isn’t good for our ballclub anyway. It is not good for me.”

James returned from a one-game absence due to his sore left ankle — one thing that has been a problem for the 21-year veteran for months — to log his fourth triple-double of the season with 23 factors, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in opposition to the Grizzlies.

L.A. prolonged its profitable streak to a season-best 5 video games and is at the moment No. 9 within the Western Convention standings with 9 video games remaining within the common season.

Nevertheless, James stated the truth that he rested his ankle the night time earlier than within the Lakers’ 128-124 double-overtime win in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks was proof that he will not threat short-term beneficial properties that would have an effect on his long-term availability.

“I imply, I might’ve in all probability tried to play yesterday [in Milwaukee] if that was the case,” James, 39, stated.

James has missed 10 video games this season and L.A. has gone 6-4 in his absence, the primary time a James group has posted a document above .500 document with out him for the reason that Miami Warmth in 2012-13. Nevertheless, the four-time MVP, who has performed 282 playoff video games in his profession with out ever lacking one, does not need to put his group in that place when the video games matter most.

“Simply be very strategic,” James stated of his selections on when to play and when to relaxation. “Clearly, understanding and seeing how my ankle and my foot is feeling. However simply being very sensible about it, clearly. We’re the place we’re, however our well being has all the time been crucial for our ballclub. Not only one particular person. However for me searching for myself in relation to damage and understanding my foot and understanding my ankle and the way it reacts, and the way it’s been during the last couple of years, it is simply all the time maintaining a hefty eye on it.”

Anthony Davis, coming off of 52 minutes in opposition to the Bucks, took the identical strategy together with his hyperextended left knee Wednesday, selecting to take a seat out.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham stated the group would see how Davis’ knee feels Thursday earlier than figuring out his availability for Friday’s recreation in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.

With Davis out, Rui Hachimura went off for 32 factors and 10 rebounds in opposition to Memphis — together with hitting a career-best seven 3-pointers.

Hachimura stated it dropped at thoughts his offensive breakout efficiency within the first spherical of the playoffs in opposition to Memphis final spring.

“After I got here right here in the present day, this morning, I acquired all of the flashbacks from final yr,” Hachimura stated. “Playoff time. … Now we have good reminiscences right here, had a reasonably good video games in right here. I feel I used to be glad to have the ability to come again right here — it has been virtually a yr.”

Which is strictly his group’s hope as the ultimate few weeks of the common season come to a detailed: taking part in their greatest when it actually counts.

“I do not assume any group within the league actually desires to see us apart from a pair,” Lakers ahead Taurean Prince stated. “We all know our capabilities. I feel all people else does, too. It is nearly us coming being constant.”